New Campaign Strategies

It's worth noting here, although it is has been discussed at length elsewhere, that Howard Dean has created quite a stir in the race for the democratic nomination. Sure, sure -- but what I find really cool about all of this is the rather innovative use of the internet, namely the current trends of blogging, social software, in order to get the campaign message out, draw support, and raise funds (which Dean is doing amazingly well at). The most recent example I was pointed to from Lessig's Blog, which is a new tool on the Dean website which allows like-minded Dean-For-America-ers to make connections with each other. The site boasts: "You'll be able to get in touch with people in the Deanroots, reach out to your contacts, and make plans for getting involved with other local supporters. Other Dean supporters will be able to find you. If you have a special interest, like flyering or tabling, you can let people know. You can even upload your own picture."

This reflects Dean's other net-based tactics, including Meetups, which tracks national gatherings held to discuss the Dean campaign. Dean was also a guest blogger for Lawrence Lessig this summer. His "meetups" have been so successful in generating support, hype, and money for Gov. Dean that other. more entrenched Dems like Kerry have put themselves on the meetup site as well.

Clearly the time is nigh for new campaign strategies, and Dean is demonstrating how the net can be used to articulate political messages, evoke support, and raise funds. This is all very reminiscent of the rise of Television advertising in politics that is well documented by the great book The Spot: The Rise of Political Advertising in Television by Edwin Diamond and Stephen Bates. A very good read.